Elmhurst realtors

About Gracik Makinney Real Estate Group

Biographies

Team Biography

130 W. Park Ave

Elmhurst

IL60126US

Combined they have sold over 1200 homes in the Elmhurst Area! We are in consistent pursuit to have a positive effect on both our clients and our community. Whether you are considering buying a home, selling a home, or both, we know the Elmhurst area and the process.

As two of the strongest real estate professionals in the Elmhurst area, Tom and Maria were continuously trying to grow their individual real estate businesses. In 2009 Maria and Tom merged to co-found Gracik Makinney Group. They found that together, their combined 40+ years of experience would be unstoppable in the ever-changing market. Both Maria and Tom have a strong desire and commitment to finding the ideal match for buyers, sellers, and renters alike.

This heartfelt pursuit is not just set on their feelings, but on a foundation of proven results. In 2016 they were ranked in the Top 10 of Dupage County Teams for production. Additionally in 2016, they were ranked one of the top residential brokers by Chicago Magazine. Each have won numerous awards, been at the top of their profession, and have assisted many in achieving success.

If you are looking for the most driven team of real estate professionals that will work efficiently and effectively for you – look no further!

“Providing the highest level of service requires concreteexperience, a foundation of proven results, and aheartfelt desire to ‘thrill’ your clients every time!”

With over 600 career closings since 1997, Maria Gracik embodies experience. She has skillfully adapted to and thrived in every kind of housing market, proving that the best REALTOR® is not just a talented market forecaster, but one who puts client needs first.

Maria is committed to helping buyers and sellers connect, putting her keen insight, confidence, home-finding abilities and contract-negotiation skills to work in their best interest. Over three-quarters of her business comes from referrals, a testament to her ability to provide thoughtful and sound advice to her clients.

In 2009, Maria co-founded the Gracik Makinney Group with her accomplished business partner, Tom Makinney, marrying the diverse talents of its group members to service any client need in Elmhurst and the surrounding western suburbs. Together, their 30+ years of experience gives the group vast knowledge of the existing home and new construction markets, and experience with transferees as well. Since 2006, they have sold over 550 homes and over $245,000,000 in sales. In 2016, they were ranked in the Top 10 of DuPage County Agents and #1 in Elmhurst market share.

“To me, success is when your clients are truly happy with oneof the most important decisions of their life.”

Maria has lived in Elmhurst since 1990 and is married to a lifelong resident. Both of her sons attended Elmhurst schools, where Maria was actively involved in the school and sports programs, and serves as a Junior Achievement volunteer. She also participates in a variety of local fundraising activities. She loves to travel and spend time with her family.

Prior to her career in real estate, Maria worked in customer service management for a major airline and in executive travel services for a global consulting company, where she sharpened her negotiation skills.

“Find out why loyal clients keep coming back,and send their friends and family to me!”

“Our highest priorities are your highest priorities — ethics and honesty, skilled representation, expert negotiating, vast market knowledge, proven results — the GracikMakinney Group makes the difference in reaching the closing table.” Tom Makinney approaches real estate as a “connector” — connecting buyers to sellers, solutions to needs, reality to vision. With an inherent love of architecture and passion for people, connecting clients to their goals in home ownership brings new opportunity to each day.One will rarely hear Tom speak of his personal accomplishments without acknowledging his team. Why work with a team of realtors? One distinct advantage is that each team member has a unique sphere of influence. When combined, these spheres create a strong pool of valuable information for each client. Team support, broad-based marketing and transaction management, along with the team’s collective knowledge and experience, creates a worry-free, enjoyable real estate experience. For sellers, each team member knows the inventory and is available to show the property. For buyers, the blended market acumen of the team members can help the buyer make informed decisions when thinking about a property, a community or negotiating a sale.

2016 Top 10 DuPage County Team, Gracik Makinney Group*

Real Trends 2016 List, Top 1% of all Agents, Trulia.com, 12/31/16 Production

Tom has lived in Elmhurst since the tender age of four, and now raises his own family in the community. A devoted husband and proud father to three beautiful young daughters, he knows first-hand the meaning of

GracikMakinney Real Estate Group is proud to welcome the esteemed Mary Riva to our group. Mary has been a licensed broker for 33 years and closed over $50,000,000 in sales.

Also licensed in Florida, Mary is a professional that prides herself on details to make every transaction as smooth as possible.

As a generation of family, friends, and clients can attest, it is Mary’s inherent determination and huge heart that have assisted her to become the consummate professional. We invite you to reconnect with Mary Riva, or meet her for the first time, and see for yourself why Gracik Makinney Group is overjoyed to have her part of our company.

“My pledge to you is outstanding service. My reputation equals integrity
at its highest level. My goal is to simplify the real estate process and
educate clients so they can make informed, successful decisions.”

Marie McCall is passionate about real estate! She prides herself on being a supportive, caring advocate with extensive experience in negotiation. A full-time REALTOR® since 1995, Marie’s husband, Dave originally encouraged her to obtain her license because of her natural love of people and strong desire to help others. He had firsthand knowledge of her keen listening skills and ability to creatively problem solve. Marie also utilized her previous ten years of client service experience with a major automotive manufacturer to understand the critical importance of responsiveness and follow-through.

Marie recently discovered firsthand what it means to relocate when her family packed their bags and sold their home of 27 years. Selling is so much more than obtaining a buyer, and relocating adds layers of detail and consideration to a move. She quickly realized the important role she plays in helping her clients manage the often daunting real estate process, explaining every step along the way, as well as keeping expectations and emotions balanced.

Loving Where You Live

Marie is an expert on the Elmhurst and Oak Brook communities since she and her husband raised their two children there. Marie was actively involved in District 205 schools, following her children as they progressed through the school system. PTA, Junior Achievement, York Boosters, Woodside Estates Homeowner’s Association, and Oak Brook Civic Association are a few organizations to which Marie devoted many volunteer hours. Ask Marie about her involvement in the “Friends of Elmhurst” organization that has assisted the many less fortunate families in the Back of the Yards inner city neighborhood. Proud member of Mary Queen of Heaven Parish, Marie is pleased to serve as Eucharistic Minister, Lector, CCW member, and has been a 2nd grade Religious Education teacher for 10 years.

Recognized for Service; Trusted for Results

Marie’s desire to be Best In Class is what drove her to the Gracik Makinney Group– teamwork that promises first class service and expert market knowledge. Home values have changed much over the past few years; sometimes overnight! The Gracik Makinney Group combines 32+ years of experience to provide their clients up-to-the-minute market knowledge.

Core Strengths

Realistic market analysis, excellent negotiation skills, honesty, and integrity are most often cited as Marie’s key differentiators. She is a Certified Negotiation Consultant, Accredited Buyer Representative, multi-million dollar producer, and was awarded as one of the top 10% sales associates in 2012 and 2013.

As an Elmhurst resident for 18 years, Jill Giorno brings a unique core of qualities and values to the Gracik Makinney Group. She has lived in the western suburbs since 1997, residing in Naperville and Oak Park before finally settling in Elmhurst. Prior to practicing real estate, Jill was a small business owner in Elmhurst for eight years, and was a school social worker in Oak Park for seven years. She holds a Master's of Social Work degree from the University of Illinois, Chicago.As a former small business owner and resident in Elmhurst, Jill brings a wide range of knowledge in Elmhurst and suburban real estate. She truly understands the importance of positive client relationships, and her ability to earn and maintain trust, coupled with a knack to connect people new to the community, are qualities she is extremely proud of. Jill and her husband, Wade, are proud to raise their family in Elmhurst and enjoy watching their children participate in many extracurricular activities. Her favorite pastimes include hockey and golf, anything involving fitness, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Jill is thrilled to be mentored by some of the best in the business and was extremely impressed by the extensive training @properties gives their agents. We're thrilled to have her as part of our team, and we're sure you will enjoy working with her as well. Contact Jill when you are ready to make your move.

A: Before they ever joined forces, my family had bought and sold houses in Elmhurst listed by Maria and Tom. We had all stayed in touch (definitely the norm with Tom and Maria!), and they contacted me a few years ago to become their O.M.

Q: What makes you guys different?

A: When clients work with us, they experience individuals with complementing strengths who work together to bring them buying and selling success. With a team of six, we’re able to give unbeatable support during the entire real estate process.

Q: If you could think of one word to describe the Gracik Makinney Group, what would it be?

A: “Dynamic” is a word that fits us in many ways. We’re dynamic in terms of our high energy, dynamic in the way we make results happen for our clients, dynamic in how we lead the market trends. People who work with us sense that we are action-oriented, positive and forward-thinking.

Q: What do clients want and need in their real estate agents today?

A: Buyers and sellers need agents who are proven and experienced, and want agents who keep their best interests a highest priority and make real estate an enjoyable experience. We keep things light but never lose focus on what we’re working to achieve.

Q: Tell us about the Elmhurst community. What makes it attractive to potential buyers?

A: All of us know Elmhurst extremely well. You don’t have to live here long to realize the beauty of the community, its excellent amenities, the importance of education and family. Two special areas, the Prairie Path and Eldridge Park, which connects to the Salt Creek Greenway Trail, are simply beautiful and not to be missed. Local haunts such as Flight 112, Zenwich, Chow, and Brewpoint Coffee are personal favorites, although I could name many more establishments in town that are just awesome!

Q: What should we know about Krista Waski?

A: I love what I do professionally, working behind the scenes for our team to help our agents do their best work for our clients. I also love my personal life. I’m not only a very proud hockey, baseball, soccer, and dance mom to two amazing kids, I’m a two-time “tough mudder.” (Translation: I compete in 10-12 mile long military-style obstacle courses!) And so yes, I’m obviously into fitness. Hockey, cross training, and biking are tops on my weekly list.

Q: Final thoughts?

A: Regarding real estate, choose the team that knows how to get the job done and make it fun. That’s us! Stop in and say “hello.” You’ll be treated like one of the team!